Sarawak govt will top up RM10 mln for Unifor next year, allocation to hit RM120 mln

KUCHING (Dec 8): The state government will top up another RM10 million grant for the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) next year, bringing the total allocation to RM120 million.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this signified his administration’s commitment to preserving religious harmony among all faiths across Sarawak.

“This 10 million was pledged in view of Sarawak’s increasing revenue and the state government’s commitment to the development of places of worship and missionary school education,” he was quoted as saying in a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report.

He made these remarks during the Unifor appreciation dinner held at a leading hotel on Sunday.

Abang Johari said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who oversess Unifor, had earlier whispered to him about sparing a little more state funds for Unifor next year.

In response, the premier said he had decided to set aside another RM10 million for Unifor, which will be receiving a total of RM120 million by next year.

He believed that Unifor is capable of managing the funds with full integrity and accountability in line with the requirements of each religion.

At the same time, he called on the various recipients to manage the funds with high standards of integrity and accountability when Unifor presents the allocations to them later.

“Do bear in mind that, God is watching you. What you’re doing should be what God expects of you,” he said.

During the event, Abang Johari launched the Other Religions Service Management System (Orsem) application, a digital platform aimed at streamlining Unifor services offered to houses of worship throughout the state.

Through Orsem, users can now access a complete digital experience, including house of worship profile registration, submission of funding applications, submission of progress reports and project completion as well as applications for changes in project scope.

Among those present were Uggah, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, other State Cabinet members, Unifor director Dato Georgina Apphia Ngau and other local dignitaries.